For more than two centuries, France has had a unique institution, open to all, dedicated to learning the languages and civilizations of the five continents. The Special School of Oriental Languages, now known as the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco), was established in 1795. At the time, it was a school of a new type, public, free, dedicated to the teaching of modern languages of public and commercial utility. At the beginning of the 19th century, a dozen languages were taught, compared to a hundred today.
Built in 1716 and after housing several successive tenants, Bernage’s hotel was assigned to the School in 1873, which adapted it to its new functions. The architect Louis Faure-Dujarric brought the greatest care to the interior decoration by multiplying oriental references.
Inalco, also known as “Languages O”, now offers a unique expertise in languages and societies from centuries of experience. No institution, no country, offers such a diversity of courses, openness and wealth of knowledge. The institution is a key player in the promotion and preservation of the world’s languages and civilizations.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the Inalco Research House will exceptionally open its doors to the public who will be able to discover various heritage riches and enjoy a free and documented visit tracing the unique history of this establishment renovated in 2019. Several architectural elements, including the floor mosaics, the monumental staircase and the mouldings and medallions of the historic salons received the «Heritage of Regional Interest» label of the Île-de-France Region in 2020.
The Inalco Research Centre will be open to the public on Saturday 17 September from 1 pm to 6 pm (last entries at 5.30 pm). Admission is free and free.
Two creative workshops to learn about the art of paper (origami and ji{nzhė) will be offered free of charge from 1 pm to 6 pm.